CityView Magazine

CityViewNC.com | 37 arts E very September, we look forward to the festivities of the annual Interna- tional Folk Festival. Attendees have their senses ignited with aromas and sights from around the world, allowing entrance into their lives. But, what defines a culture? Most would agree that food is an integral ingredient… as is the music, but (in my opinion) a country's cul- ture is defined by their fashion. e anticipated Pa- rade of Nations displays fashions, where we delight in the colors and pageantry of the clothing and wit- ness the country's artful expression. Two cultures represented, Hawaii and ailand, are sep- arated by the Pacific, but united by their love of country. Kui Rivera is not a native of Fayetteville, but found herself at Fort Bragg following her husband on a mili- tary assignment. at is the story of so many residents of the area and that did not stop her from pursuing her dreams of bringing a piece of Hawaii with her. Originally from Honolulu, Kui knew she had to return to her roots. "I didn't want to lose my tradition," she said. So in 2006 she made her dream come true when she founded the Hawaiian dance group and has participated every year in the Folk Festival. One look at Kui and it is easy to be transported to the Hawaiian Islands. She radiates and embodies the culture of Hawaii, with her long hair and her inviting smile. e dance group meets to practice at E.E. Miller Recreation Center and is comprised of both men and women, of vari- ous ages and nationalities…from Filipino to Indonesian. And it is no surprise that because Fort Bragg is home to the Special Operations Command, two of the three male danc- ers of the group have worn the coveted Green Beret. By Sonia r. garza Hula is the more popular and widely recognized dance. Watching the group dance hula is like seeing ocean waves come ashore with both a fluidity and loveliness that makes you feel instantly at ease. "We wear a pa'u," Kui said. "It's a calf length flowery skirt that moves more easily with the hips." Males wear a wrap around the waist called a pareo. "It is also known as a sarong," said Kui. "I teach the group how to sew their own outfits," Kui said proudly. Skirts are made with love as each blade of grass is measured and cut to a precise length. She then advised her students, "Treat your skirts with tender love and care." A veteran to the group, Freda Kerr, has traveled from Ra- leigh for three years to dance hula. "It's a passion for me," she said. Hawaii holds a special place in her heart...as her and her late husband first traveled to Hawaii on their 10th anniversary. "Hawaiian culture is passion….it's heart," she paused. "When I put the clothing on, it's peaceful for me. You can say it's my meditation," she said while smiling. One of the youngest students of the group is Katrina Pappa, a senior at Jack Britt High School. She has been dancing with the group since November and this will be her first year dancing in the festival. "I feel more immersed in the culture and history when I wear the clothing. It makes me happy and feel good in- side," she said, fixing the hibiscus flower above her right ear, signify- ing she is single. Worn to the le means you are taken. Traveling further west is ailand, located in Southeast Asia. Kingkeaw May is the ai dance group representa- tive and also came to Fayetteville on her husband's military orders. Much like the culture of Hawaii, ai culture tells stories through dance and song. for See colorful costumes from across the Asia Pacific and the globe at The Art Council's International Folk Festival Style Style Beautifully unique costumes from Hawaii and Thailand

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